Jonny Lang Biography

Jonny Lang (born Jon Gordon Langseth, Jr. in Fargo, North Dakota, January 29, 1981) is an American blues guitarist and singer. In 1995, at the age of 14, his first album was released; Smokin by Kid Jonny Lang and the Big Bang. At age 15, Lang released his debut solo album Lie to Me. Part of this success is due to a voice that sounds like that of 40 year old blues veteran, containing a harshness tempered by a fine falsetto that has taken prominence in his newest albums. Part of it is his scorching guitar solos, which display a prodigious natural talent honed by years of practice and playing. Whatever the secret to his success, the youngster has quickly become a fixture in the blues world, drawing crowds wherever he goes. He has been recognized by famous guitarists all over the world, and was recognized in 2004 by Eric Clapton. Clapton asked Lang to play at the 2004 Crossroads Guitar Festival to raise money for the Crossroads Centre Antigua.

Jonny started playing the guitar at age twelve, after his dad took him to see the Bad Medicine Blues Band - one of the only blues bands in Fargo. Jonny was inspired and soon started taking guitar lessons from Ted Larsen, the Bad Medicine Blues Band's guitar player. Several months after Jonny started guitar lessons, he joined the Bad Medicine Blues Band (re-named Kid Jonny Lang and the Big Bang).

The band moved to Minneapolis and independently released the album 'Smokin'' by Kid Jonny Lang and the Big Bang. Lang was signed to A&M Records in 1996. He released the critically acclaimed and multi-platinum album, 'Lie to Me' on January 28th, 1997. This album garnered enough attention to win him a cameo in the film Blues Brothers 2000. Jonny Lang's second album, 'Wander This World', was released on October 20, 1998. 'Wander This World' turned out to be just as successful as 'Lie to Me', and earned Jonny Lang a Grammy nomination. Lang was married on June 8, 2001 to longtime girlfriend and actress Haylie Johnson. The couple is currently living in Los Angeles. Jonny Lang's third album, Long Time Coming, was released October 14, 2003. This album features a more soulful-rock quality than Lang's previous albums. Lang also made a cover of Edgar Winter's "Dying to Live."

Lang has earned the reputation of an intense, emotional live performer. After more than ten years on the road, he has toured with and earned praise from luminaries such as the Rolling Stones, Aerosmith, B.B. King, Jeff Beck, and Sting. In 1999, he was invited to play for a White House audience including President and Mrs. Clinton. From 1995-2004, Lang's backing band included members Paul Diethelm (guitar), Bruce McCabe (keyboards), and Billy Thommes (drums). Bassist Doug Nelson was killed in a traffic accident in 2000 and was replaced by Billy Franze. Saxophone player David Eiland was added in 2000, providing Lang with a foil for extended instrumental jams. In 2005, Lang replaced his band with all new members (aside from bassist Jim Anton who replaced Franze in 2003) and embarked on an acoustic tour that showcased a more intimate side of his music. New guitarist Reeve Carney pulled double duty as the Lang band's opening act at several shows in 2005 and again in 2006. Playing keyboard and organ currently for Jonny is Houston native Charles Jones.